IB+Common+Resources

On the Pudong campus our HS department has found that we have a lack of readily available IB text types and Ab Initio stimulus photos. Thanks to Javier Castro we have a cache of photos but the search for decent photos according to Ab In criteria is never easy. We have a need to pool our resources here. I just received some info from a colleague in AISG and I will forward on.

Common resources is a goal that perhaps we would like to work towards. Although we have liberty to teach with a variety of resources it would be useful to have access at least to all the same ones which is not currently the case. The literature and texts available in French in Puxi at IB level are not the same as Pudong. We at least would like the choice to offer the same texts. This could be one goal... to inventory and standardize resources so both campuses can accomodate curricular changes and student transfers easily.

Tech Expectations are such that we should be taking steps towards supporting 1:1 laptop learning. This year Pudong has taken the following steps by ordering and using the following programs:

1)QUIA at www.quia.com - permits us to make grammar,vocabulary and reading exercises and quizzes available online 24/7. It tracks grades and practice time. A good ancillary tool for homework and in class practice. (subscription)

2) YABLA at www.yabla.com - a multimedia program with video clips complete with subtitles, slow pronunciation option, and comprehension exercises. 100 subscriptions ordered for Pudong Campus MS and HS I believe. (subcription)

3) TEXT-LINK at www.advancematerials.co.uk - a data base/search engine dedicated to IB and Ab Initio texts and themes. It filters, rates and organizes existing web sites so you can quickly find what you may need for a particular themed unit lesson. Saves time. AISG French teacher has used this for 4 years and recommends it highly. (subscription)

4) QUIZLET at www.quizlet.com lets students create their own flashcards and vocabulary drill games. Excellent homework assignment for levels 1 and 2 plus ab initio. (free shareware)

There are many more websites that different teachers use and which we forward to each other but these are tools that can be adapted for any French or Spanish class. Our discussion should be perhaps on what tech we can order in common so we feel again we have access to same tools.

Eleanor 4/14/2010